OLD SOUTH MEETING HALL
Old South Meeting House: Where Revolution Took Shape
Nestled in the heart of downtown Boston at 310 Washington Street stands the Old South Meeting House, one of the city’s most important historic landmarks and a key site along the Freedom Trail. Built in 1729 as a Puritan meeting hall, it was the largest building in colonial Boston and quickly became the place where citizens gathered not just for worship but for debate and civic conversation.
A Catalyst for Change
Old South’s role in American history is profound. In the years leading up to the Revolution, it served as the central gathering space for colonists to discuss British policies and organize resistance. Most famously, on December 16, 1773, an overflow crowd of as many as 5,000 colonists packed into the Meeting House to protest the tea tax. When debate failed to produce a compromise, Samuel Adams signaled the crowd, leading them to nearby Griffin’s Wharf — where the Boston Tea Party began.
The building’s significance extends beyond that one event. It was a site for protests after the Boston Massacre and a hub of spirited public discourse at a time when free speech was still a radical idea.
Preservation and Legacy
Old South narrowly avoided demolition in the late 19th century and became one of the earliest successful historic preservation efforts in New England. Community leaders, including abolitionists and writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson, rallied to save it — launching a movement that would later protect countless historic sites nationwide.
Today, the Meeting House stands as a National Historic Landmark, celebrated for its architectural simplicity, its dramatic history, and its powerful symbolism in America’s quest for freedom.
Exhibits That Bring History to Life
As a museum and educational site operated by Revolutionary Spaces, Old South’s exhibits explore centuries of civic action and protest. Its ongoing installation, “Voices of Protest,” offers visitors a chance to hear the stories of the people whose ideas and courage shaped the nation.
Visitors can also see compelling artifacts — including items tied to the Tea Party and exhibits that connect colonial debate to today’s conversations about democracy and civic engagement.
A Living Space for Dialogue
The Meeting House isn’t just a relic; it remains true to its roots as a place for public discussion and community engagement. In addition to exhibits, the space hosts gallery talks, tours, music, and public programs that continue the tradition of thoughtful exchange that began nearly three centuries ago.
🕰️ Hours of Operation
The Old South Meeting House is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. That makes it easy to plan a visit any day of the week.
🎟️ Tickets & Admission
You can visit the Old South Meeting House and the nearby Old State House with a single ticket, which includes access to both historic sites, all exhibits, and gallery talks.
Price Range
Adults: around $15
Seniors (65+): around $13
Students (with ID): around $13
Children (ages 6–12): around $8
Some discounts available for veterans, teachers, and certain students.
Joint Freedom Trail Ticket Option
There’s also a joint ticket option available at the Boston Common Visitor Center that combines the Old South Meeting House, Old State House, and Old North Church at a discounted price — a great choice if you plan to explore more of Boston’s Revolutionary history.
🧭 Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit: Mornings or late afternoons tend to be quieter, making it easier to take in the exhibits and historic atmosphere.
Recommended Duration: Allow about 30–60 minutes for the Old South Meeting House itself. If you’re also visiting the Old State House, plan for roughly 1.5 to 2 hours total for both.
No Reservation Needed: Typically you don’t need to reserve ahead for general admission, though buying tickets online ahead of time can help during busy tourist seasons.
🚆 Getting There & Parking
The site is located at 310 Washington Street in the heart of downtown Boston.
It’s very easy to reach via the MBTA:
Orange/Blue Line: State Street Station (right nearby)
Green Line: Government Center Station (about a block away)
Red Line: Downtown Crossing (a short walk)
If you’re driving, several parking garages are within a short walk, such as the Post Office Square Garage or Pi Alley Garage.
🧠 Visitor Tips
The Old South Meeting House is fully accessible and suitable for most visitors.
Plan to combine your visit with other Freedom Trail stops like Faneuil Hall or Boston Common for a full day of history exploration.
Arrive early if you want a quieter experience or hope to catch a gallery talk or guided program while you’re there
📜 “Voices of Protest” – Core Exhibit
At the Old South Meeting House itself, the ongoing main exhibit Voices of Protest continues to be featured. This presentation highlights the stories of people who shaped the Meeting House’s historic role in debate and revolution — from colonial patriots to lesser-known voices — showing how dissent and civic engagement helped lead toward American independence.
🔍 Monthly Spotlight: Black Congregants and OSMH (Feb 23 – Mar 22, 2026)
Through March 22, 2026, the museum is hosting a special Monthly Spotlight display exploring the experiences of Black congregants at the Old South Meeting House during the colonial era. This exhibit examines how free and enslaved Black worshippers participated in spiritual life there, as well as the complex realities of race, Christianity, and slavery in 18th-century Boston. This is an engaging way to learn more about overlapping histories of faith, race, and early American society.
🗣️ Related Program: Living Room History Conversation
In addition to exhibits, a History and Society: An In-Person Living Room Conversation was held recently at the Meeting House, bringing people together to explore how historical narratives are shaped and shared — adding a present-day dimension to learning about the past in this historic setting.
📍 What to Expect
Historical context: Exhibits connect Old South’s role in civic action and dissent.
Rotating spotlights: Monthly focuses like the one on Black congregants bring fresh perspectives and new objects or stories each season.
Gallery talks and events: Exhibition programming often includes discussions or tours that deepen understanding.